The January transfer window is now fully open, yet Liverpool manager Arne Slot has remained uncharacteristically quiet in the market. This comes after a frustrating 2-2 draw with Fulham, sealed by a last-gasp equaliser, which extended the Reds' run without a win to two matches.
With a growing injury list adding to the sense of urgency among supporters, calls for new signings have grown louder. A closer look at Slot's final months at his former club, Feyenoord, provides intriguing clues about the type of business he might pursue at Anfield this winter.
Analysing Slot's Final Feyenoord Five
Before his move to Merseyside, Slot oversaw a number of signings at the Dutch club. His last five acquisitions at Feyenoord mirror the strategic preferences he has shown at Liverpool, where his eleven signings to date have heavily favoured attacking talent and forward-thinking full-backs.
Anis Hadj Moussa, a 23-year-old winger, was a Slot signing who arrived after the coach's departure. The right-sided player has been a standout, scoring 18 goals and providing 7 assists in 63 appearances. This successful recruitment in a wide area is particularly relevant for Liverpool, who seek more firepower following Luis Diaz's exit and with Federico Chiesa struggling to convince.
Mikki van Sas, a goalkeeper, was brought in from Manchester City's academy on a free transfer in September 2023. The 21-year-old failed to make a senior appearance and was later loaned out. This move underscores Slot's tendency to stockpile goalkeeping options, a pattern seen at Liverpool with the signings of Giorgi Mamardashvili, Armin Pecsi, and Freddie Woodman.
Attacking Midfield Experiments and Defensive Pragmatism
Slot's final Feyenoord cohort also included two attacking midfielders. Luka Ivanusec joined in August 2023, contributing 4 goals and 7 assists in 55 games before being loaned to PAOK. Ondrej Lingr was a £6.7 million signing from Slavia Prague but was later sold after a loan back.
These less successful ventures in the number ten role suggest Slot may be cautious about investing heavily in that position again, especially with Florian Wirtz still adapting at Liverpool.
The most telling signing for Liverpool's current needs, however, is defender Bart Nieuwkoop. The 29-year-old right-back, who rejoined Feyenoord under Slot in August 2023, is a versatile defender capable of playing in an advanced full-back role.
This acquisition highlights that defence was not entirely overlooked amidst attacking recruits. It is a salient point for Liverpool, who face a defensive crisis with injuries to Geovani Leoni and Joe Gomez, leaving them perilously thin at centre-back.
What This Means for Liverpool's January Window
The analysis of these five signings paints a clear picture of Slot's priorities. His history indicates a strong focus on bolstering wide attacking areas and ensuring depth in goal. The mixed results with creative midfielders might lead him to allocate resources elsewhere.
Most critically, the Nieuwkoop signing proves Slot is willing to address defensive needs. Given Liverpool's current predicament, a new centre-back could emerge as a prime target before the window closes, as the club is just one more injury away from a major selection headache.
While the winter market is unpredictable, Arne Slot's past actions at Feyenoord offer a compelling blueprint for what Liverpool fans can potentially expect in the coming weeks.
